He was born April 7, 1931, in Jersey City, N.J., the son of Charles and Catherine (Donlin) Tiernan.

After living a short time in New Jersey, the family moved to New York City, and then to Pennsylvania.

He graduated from Montrose High School, class of 1949. He earned an undergraduate degree and also a master’s degree at New York University, in addition to a master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire. He did graduate work at the University of Vermont, Fordham University, City University of New York, University of California, Berkeley, Franklin & Marshall College, Keene State College, Castleton State College, Boston University, RPI and Columbia University.

After teaching for two years at De La Salle Institute in Manhattan, he moved to Vermont in 1956 to join the Springfield school system. He taught general science, biology, chemistry and physics until his retirement in 1993. He also taught for the Community College of Vermont and for the Okemo Mountain School.

For several years, he was a leader for a Boy Scout Explorer Troop.

He enjoyed travel and made numerous camping trips throughout the western United States, Canada and traveled to most of the countries in Europe, the UK, Russia, Turkey, India, Nepal, China, and Brazil.

He enjoyed classical music and attended many performances at the world’s leading musical sites such as Carnegie Hall, Tanglewood, SPAC, Symphony Hall in Boston, Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Metropolitan Opera House.

Survivors include five cousins.

At his request, no services will be held. A private burial took place in Auburn Center, Pa.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.